Glenn Hammond Curtiss came to be known as "The Father of Naval Aviation" and "Founder of the American Aircraft Industry". He was a remarkable engineer, beginning his career as a successful motorcycle manufacturer. Curtiss was a fierce competitor, entering and winning many races and keeping up with competition from firms such as Harley Davidson and Indian. On Labor Day in 1902 Curtiss entered his first gasoline-powered race, sponsored by the New York Motorcycle Club in Brooklyn. He was awarded the C. F. Splidorf Cup for the First Annual Road Race.